Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Barnes.
Hi Jason, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a commercial and editorial photographer, designer, and art director with a love for bold, cinematic visuals that help brands stand out. I’ve been working in the creative industry for more than 20 years, and in that time, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with some incredible teams, helping bring stories to life through photography, design, and intentional storytelling.
I studied art and music at UTSA, with a strong focus on multimedia. That included everything from art fundamentals and photography to digital media, film, and music technology. It was there that I discovered I had a natural eye for design and a passion for using visual tools to solve creative problems.
Since then, I’ve built a career blending creativity, craftsmanship, and strategy. My work has been licensed by Apple for a global campaign and personally shared by Tim Cook, which was a surreal moment in my career. I’ve partnered with brands like Amway, K-LOVE, and Air1, and contributed to agency-led campaigns for organizations including Goodwill San Antonio, greater:SATX, CPS Energy, Methodist Hospital, and San Antonio International Airport. I’ve also photographed award-winning feature stories for San Antonio Magazine.
Today, I focus on helping brands break through the noise with high-impact imagery and design that connects. Whether it’s a full-blown campaign or a single striking image, I love collaborating with clients to create work that’s both beautiful and strategic.
In 2025, I launched Creativekind Studios—a photography studio and creative coworking space created to support and connect a diverse community of photographers, designers, content creators, and independent professionals. In recent years, I’ve felt a growing pull to build something beyond my own creative work—something that reflects a deeper purpose. Creativekind was born from that desire to create beauty out of chaos and cultivate a culture where creatives feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all! There have been many challenges along the way. I’m currently facing one right now — recovering from a major surgery that will prevent me from working for several weeks, if not months, with no way to cover the cost of the surgery!
I’ve also faced extreme burnout and depression — one of the lowest points in my life. I had to make some very difficult life choices so I could heal mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.
Another challenge I faced was making the leap in 2022 to start my own business after 18 years of being employed full time as an in-house graphic artist. Learning how to run a business without any real business education other than what I could piece together through my own research online and in books was (and still is) a real struggle. Starting a new business is not for the faint of heart! I’ve learned so much along the way, and continue to do so every day.
Another struggle I constantly face is the challenge of having consistent work. Work is up and down all the time in the creative industry — feast or famine. You can have really great months followed by two or three months that are really slow. Learning to ride that roller coaster is an ongoing challenge. But I am learning to enjoy the ride while working on making it smoother by diversifying into other creative services, as well as learning how to market myself better. I’ve learned that networking consistently is another critical component to making the ride smoother and more enjoyable.
My latest struggle is learning to balance two businesses simultaneously — my commercial photography and design business, and my newest endeavor Creativekind Studios.
We’ve been impressed with Jason Barnes Photography + Design and Creativekind Studios, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I help brands stand out with bold, cinematic imagery and intentional design. With more than 20 years of experience in photography, design, and creative direction, I partner with clients to create visuals that are both striking and strategic. From advertising campaigns and editorial shoots to brand identity and content design, I bring a collaborative, high-craft approach to every project—always aiming to cut through the noise and connect with audiences in a meaningful way.
WHAT I OFFER
• Commercial & editorial photography
• Advertising & campaign photography
• Brand identity design
• Visual content for digital & print
• Art direction & creative consulting
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Creativekind Studios is a rentable photo/video studio and collaborative coworking space for creatives.
But Creativekind is more than just a photography studio or coworking space — it’s a mission-driven community designed to help professional creatives connect, create and thrive. We provide a collaborative environment where connection and creativity come together to fuel creatives’ best work.
Creatives are wired differently—not better, just different. We think, solve, and express in ways that don’t always fit traditional workspaces or business models. Too often, creatives are undervalued, isolated, and left to navigate the business world alone. Creativekind exists to change that.
WHAT WE OFFER
• Rentable Photo + Content Studios
• Studio Memberships
• Coworking Memberships
• A Supportive Creative Community
WHAT WE’RE PLANNING
• Workshops
• Creator Showcases
• Member Mixers
• Creative Meetups
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
1. It’s not about you. 2. If you’re not growing, you’re dying.
3. It’s okay to be bored. Boredom breeds creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.creativekind.studio
- Instagram: @creativekind.studios and @jasonbarnesphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativekindStudios and https://www.facebook.com/jasonbarnesphotography
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbarnesphoto
- Other: www.jasonbarnes.photo
